Los Angeles is full of vintage shops, but most are so full that you can’t decipher the junk from the finds. Hide & Seek Vintage Home Boutique, which took over the space left vacant by Paula’s Pure Sense on Studio City's Ventura Place in late July, is one of the few exceptions.
Owned by mother-daughter team, Breeze Munson and Kimberly Curtis, this airy boutique is meticulously curated with carefully chosen pieces that are surprisingly well priced.
“We want people to come in and find something that speaks to them that they can afford..there is something for everyone,” says Munson.
“It’s a place where my friends can come and start a collection without much expense,” furthers Curtis, who is 23.
Divided into “rooms,” there are living, dining and kitchen areas displaying an eclectic array of furniture, linens,tableware, home and bar accessories, and much more.
Munson has a background as an artist, photographer and interior decorator, while her daughter has experience in business and retail. Neither had owned a store before, but their respective interests and talents bring them together for the perfect partnership.
“I have a huge appreciation for older history and things that have a soul to them,” says Munson, whose design sensibilities were influenced by living in Connecticut and Massachusetts. “I like to hold on to beautiful things and recycle them.”
Curtis has a penchant for 20's and 30's decor and handcrafted items that are durable and stand the test of time. She also loves books and finding ways to integrate them in design.
Both enjoy teaching about vintage ware and how to incorporate pieces in a modern home. They offer design services and take requests if you are searching for special items.
They amassed their inventory from trips throughout California and parts of Oregon. The trips became a family affair with husband/dad Cal Curtis, and boyfriend, Mike Kaiser, helping load a truck on the many excursions. The store itself, and fixing whatever needed touch ups, was the handiwork of all four as well.
Walking around Hide & Seek brings about memories and inspires dreams.
A solid, rustic 100 year old maple dining table from Oregon sits in the middle of the store topped with vintage glassware, prompting images of a big holiday dinner; the living room area with couches, chairs and an artistic glass coffee table and white painted iron base feels like a conversational salon; a seasoned wood rocking chair channels images of a country porch; a penguin ice container spurs ideas for a Mad Men cocktail party; leather suitcases bring about a sense of history that could be used for side tables; a collection of vintage white milk glass motivates ideas for fresh, new kitchen accessories; vintage linens and plates long for eating al fresco; while Munson’s own artistic creation, a tiered dessert plate made of tea cups and plates begs for a tea party.
Munson and Curtis are decidedly passionate about their new venture. They intend to switch up the inventory seasonally and mark the change with a celebration, such as a cocktail party, art exhibits and more as the shop evolves. On Sundays during Farmers' Market hours, stop by for coffee and tidbits.
“We’re social people, so we want this to be a place where people are just comfortable dropping by,” said Curtis.
Hide & Seek Vintage Home Boutique, 12047 Ventura Place, Studio City, CA. 91604. Find them on Facebook or hideandseekla.blogspot.com Open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tues-Sat. and 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sun.
Pure Sense By Paula has moved to 729 Montana Ave #2, Santa Monica, CA 90403
